Alabama punter James Burnip leaves Texas A&M game with lower-body injury

For the time being, Alabama is down a key special teams player against Texas A&M. Punter James Burnip left Saturday’s game and is now in the locker room being tended to. A huge loss for what has been a solid unit for the Crimson Tide this season.

CBS‘ Jenny Dell was able to get an injury diagnosis from the Alabama sideline, with them calling it a “lower-body injury.” However, she saw Burnip grabbing near his hamstring after running off the field.

“He came off the field just a few minutes ago,” Dell said. “He was in the injury tent for two minutes, now is in the locker room. He was grabbing at his right upper thigh, that hamstring area. Team personnel is telling me it’s a lower-body injury but I will not have any more information until after the half.”

Dell did specify which leg was bothering Burnip, being the right one. He is a righty punter, meaning his kicking leg is the issue. Maybe he could have gone out there and given it a go with his plant leg but having a hamstring issue on the right leg is not great news for Alabama.

Burnip has been one of the best punters in the country this season. His average yards per punt of 48.9 yards is second in the NCAA and No. 4 in all of college football. When Nick Saban does call on his punt unit, Burnip has been a weapon for them.

Texas A&M has been getting in the backfield plenty — both against Alabama and in weeks past. If Tommy Rees’ offense is going to continually get behind the sticks, the punt team is likely coming out. No official word has been given yet but Burnip missing the second half would be a major development.

Will Reichard replaces James Burnip on punting duties

If there is a special teams player Alabama trusts more than Burnip, it’s Will Reichard. A veteran placekicker, he has come in clutch for the program on multiple different occasions. Whether it’s a long field goal or a pressure kick, Reichard has been there.

Now, Reichard has taken over the punting duties, just adding to his repertoire. He got one off in the second quarter inside of Alabama’s end zone. It was a good one as well, putting Texas A&M on the wrong side of the 50-yard line.

Burnip’s status is still in question and until he can return to the field, Reichard will attempt to save the day.